A WOMAN whose mother died after contracting a bug linked to pigeon droppings in hospital has demanded assurances, as a team reviewing infection control concerns launched a call for evidence.

The independent review is investigating whether the design, build, commissioning and maintenance of the £842 million Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow has had an adverse impact on infection risk.

It was ordered by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman in January following the deaths of two patients – an adult and a child – after they contracted cryptococcus, an infection linked to pigeon droppings. In March, a woman died after contracting a fungal infection at the hospital.

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The review, led by Dr Brian Montgomery and Dr Andrew Fraser, will assess if the built environment of QEUH and RHC is making it difficult for staff to deliver “optimal practice”.

Dr Fraser said: “A number of events have come to public attention around control of infection issues and our independent review has been set up to focus on these matters to ensure that conditions are right for control of infection, not only for this hospital but for all our hospitals, in the future.”

Beth Armstrong, whose mother died in January after contracting cryptococcus, was among members of the public who attended the launch of the call for evidence.

She asked whether the review will consider the external environment such as the proximity of a sewage works as well as internal factors.

She added: “Will there be an obligation to act on your findings? Will the NHS board be forced to take action on your findings or will they just be recommendations?”

Montgomery said they would be disappointed if findings were not taken seriously.

The review will look at areas including the overall design of QEUH/RHC, with particular reference to the safety of water, drainage and ventilation systems.

Those leading the review said they do not yet have evidence that issues and concerns already raised have been adequately addressed, while Fraser said they do not yet have a figure for how many people have died as a result of infections.

An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spokesman said: “We welcome the independent review and will respond fully to any questions or issues raised by the review team.”

Anyone with relevant information is to contact the review team via queenelizabethhospitalreview.scot.